The BRIT Awards will leave London for the first time in decades, with Manchester named as host city for 2026 and 2027

In a landmark decision that marks a major shift in the UK’s musical landscape, the BRIT Awards will be held in Manchester for both 2026 and 2027. It’s the first time in over 40 years that the prestigious ceremony will move away from London, giving the North West a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

The announcement has been met with excitement from artists, fans, and local leaders alike, with many celebrating the move as a bold step toward decentralising the UK’s music industry. Manchester, known globally for producing legendary acts such as Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, and Take That, has long been a powerhouse of British music—yet the BRITs have always been tied to the capital. Until now.

From 1977 onwards, the BRIT Awards have been synonymous with London, most recently taking place at The O2 Arena. But in 2026, the ceremony will take over the brand-new Co-op Live arena, set to become the UK’s largest indoor music venue. With a capacity of 23,500 and state-of-the-art facilities, the venue will be more than capable of hosting one of the industry’s most high-profile nights.

The move not only celebrates Manchester’s rich musical heritage but also its vibrant present and future. The city continues to be a hotbed for emerging talent and has become a major hub for live music, production, and creativity. By hosting the BRIT Awards for two consecutive years, Manchester will cement its place as a cultural capital to rival any city in Europe.

Organisers have stated that the decision reflects a desire to bring the awards closer to music fans outside the South East and to celebrate the diversity of the UK’s music scenes. It also opens the door for more regional engagement, potentially inspiring a new generation of artists from outside the London bubble.

While the move is a significant logistical change, it’s not without precedent globally. Major music awards ceremonies in countries like the US and Canada have rotated between cities for years, creating new energy and regional pride each time. For the BRITs, this relocation marks a chance to reinvigorate the show, introduce new audiences, and reframe the narrative around British music's geographical epicentre.

Artists with strong Northern ties have welcomed the announcement. Manchester-born acts in particular have expressed their pride, with some hinting at special performances and homecoming moments in the pipeline. As the city prepares for its close-up, there’s growing anticipation over how the BRIT Awards might evolve in this new setting.

The Co-op Live venue is expected to enhance the ceremony’s production value significantly. Backed by major industry figures and international investors, the arena boasts cutting-edge design, sustainability features, and technology tailored for live broadcast events. It’s a fitting stage for a ceremony that has historically produced some of the most memorable moments in British pop culture.

The decision also has economic implications for the region, with an influx of visitors, media, and tourism expected to bring significant benefits to local businesses and the hospitality industry. Beyond the awards night itself, a week of events and live music is rumoured to be in the works, making the BRITs not just a show—but a citywide celebration.

As 2026 approaches, excitement is building for what could be a turning point in the BRIT Awards’ long history. Manchester has always had the music. Now, it finally has the stage.